The Banksia Trio takes its name from an Australian plant that blooms under extreme conditions and even thrives through fire. It captures both the powerful playing and the lyrical musical beauty of this trio, which brings together three of Tokyo’s most sought-after jazz musicians.

Founder Takashi Sugawa plays double bass, with a classical cello background that is clearly audible in his playing. Pianist Masaki Hayashi moves effortlessly between acoustic jazz and film music. Drummer Shun Ishiwaka is one of the leading Japanese jazz musicians and has collaborated with international figures such as Kurt Rosenwinkel and Jason Moran. This concert is curated by saxophonist Benjamin Herman, who recorded his recent album The Tokyo Sessions in Japan and knows the Japanese jazz scene like few others.

Masaki Hayashi piano, Takashi Sugawa double bass, Shun Ishiwaka drums